Cape Town – Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, and the Brazilian Vice Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Luiz De Alcantara Rua signed a landmark Memorandum of Intent (MoI), which builds a “resilient” agricultural sector for the people of South Africa.
The ceremony took place on the sidelines of the Ministerial Meeting of the G20 Agriculture Working Group (AWG) and was hosted at the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, Western Cape.
Steenhuisen welcomed the cooperation agreement with enthusiasm.
“This agreement represents more than just a formal partnership, it is a testament to our shared vision for a food-secure future.
“By combining our respective strengths, we can unlock new opportunities, advance technological innovation, and build a more resilient agricultural sector that benefits all our citizens,” he said.
#AgricultureIsLife pic.twitter.com/056qr8GFuv
— National Department of Agriculture (@DOAgov_ZA) September 18, 2025
He said that the Mol is a non-binding agreement that sets the blueprint for enhanced cooperation to promote sustainable agricultural production and strengthen food security in both countries.
“The MoI establishes an agenda of mutual advantage and common development in priority areas such as the exchange of information and expertise, technical tours, training programmes, and joint conferences.
“Under this partnership, we will share best practices in sustainable agriculture, livestock farming systems, and quality assurance, ensuring both consumer safety and product integrity,” said Steenhuisen.
Seeds of change, South Africa🇿🇦 and Brazil🇧🇷 partner for a brighter future 🌱🤝
Minister John Steenhuisen, and Brazil’s Vice Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Mr Luiz De Alcantara Rua, signed a landmark Memorandum of Intent (MoI), ushering in a new era of agricultural… pic.twitter.com/6rE8tHTwgz
— National Department of Agriculture (@DOAgov_ZA) September 18, 2025
According to the statement, trade relations between South Africa and Brazil have seen a noticeable improvement in the past few years.
Between 2020 and 2024, agricultural trade between South Africa and Brazil was increased from R5.4 billion to R9.7 billion, reflecting an 80.5% rise.
South Africa’s agricultural exports to Brazil were increased by 92.8%, from R142.6 million in 2020 to R274.9 million in 2024.
Over the same period, imports from Brazil were expanded by 80.2%, from R5.2 billion to R9.5 billion. It was recorded that South Africa’s top ten agricultural exports to Brazil accounted for 92.3% of the total, amounting to R253.7 million in 2024.
“Key exports included vegetable seeds for sowing (32,3% or R88,7 million), liqueurs and cordials (22,7% or R62,4 million), wine of fresh grapes (16% or R43,9 million), and dried grapes (6,3% or R17,3 million)”, said Media Liaison Ministry, Ms Joylene van Wyk.
The MoI will remain in effect for the next five years, after which it may be renewed or terminated by either party.
Through this partnership, South Africa and Brazil reaffirm their commitment to leveraging shared expertise and resources to address global agricultural challenges while strengthening the sustainability and resilience of livelihoods in both countries.
Signing ceremony of a landmark Memorandum of Intent with the Brazilian Vice Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Mr Luiz De Alcantara Rua. This agreement represents more than just a formal partnership; it is a testament to our shared vision for a food-secure future. 🇿🇦🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/qeiZtYn1lW
— John Steenhuisen MP (@jsteenhuisen) September 19, 2025
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
